Yesterday, King Charles III approved three Government backed Private Members Bills which will substantially enhance rights for pregnant women, new parents and carers.

The Neonatal Care Act will allow eligible employed parents whose new-born baby is admitted into neonatal care to receive up to twelve weeks of paid leave on top of their other traditional leave entitlements (such as maternity leave and paternity leave).

The Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act will extend the current protection from redundancy rights which those on maternity leave, adoption leave or shared parental leave already benefit from to also encompass those who are pregnant and new parents who have returned to work for a specified period of time.

The Carer’s Leave Act will allow employees who have a caring role for a dependant with a long-term care need to have a statutory right to take unpaid leave from work to enable them to meet their caring obligations.

The Government will be taking the steps necessary to implement these new laws in due course.